Galatians 5:16-23 teaches that at any moment we are either walking by the Holy Spirit or according to the sin nature. Walking by the Spirit, enjoying fellowship with God, walking in the light are virtually synonymous. During these times, the Holy Spirit is working in us to illuminate our minds to the truth of Scripture and to challenge us to apply what we learn. But when we sin, we begin to live based on the sin nature. Our works do not count for eternity. The only way to recover is to confess (admit, acknowledge) our sin to God the Father and we are instantly forgiven, cleansed, and recover our spiritual walk (1 John 1:9). Please make sure you are walking by the Spirit before you begin your Bible study, so it will be spiritually profitable.

Note: Classes in this series are arranged with the most recent class appearing first.

This epistle focuses on the critical doctrine of how we face adversity and how we are to think about it in our lives. The key word is the word for suffering and its many synonyms. The purpose is to remind all believers that God has a destiny and a future inheritance for them. What we think of as speed bumps interfering with our personal plans are actually God’s training tools and are to be expected, rejoiced in, and not dreaded.

When was the penalty for sin paid? At the cross or when we believe? Listen to this lesson to see that Christ paid the penalty for all sins on the cross but it is only when we believe that we are justified. Hear nine results of redemption and how Christ took the curse of the Law upon Himself. Learn that sanctification is a process but justification is instantaneous when we believe. Keep in mind that since we have been redeemed with the “precious blood of Christ”, no detail in this life is meaningful in an eternal sense.

Why did the Lord Jesus Christ become a human being? Listen to this lesson to learn our Redeemer had to be related to us in order to release us from our slavery to sin. Hear the story of the book of Ruth and find out how a kinsman-redeemer transformed the lives of Ruth and Naomi as a picture of Christ paying the price for us. Find out five basic characteristics of the kinsman-redeemer and how they apply to Christ. Learn that in Isaiah 40–66, Christ is portrayed as the Kinsman-Redeemer.

If you’ve ever wanted to know more about what Christ accomplished for you on the Cross, listen to this lesson. Find out how all of us were born spiritually dead with a barrier between us and God. Learn the meaning of redemption and how it always involves paying a price. See that when we believe in Christ, God declares us just because we have Christ’s righteousness. Learn the meaning of unlimited atonement. Appreciate more than ever that God’s grace offers each of us this so-great salvation.

Why does Peter tell Christians to conduct their life in fear when other Scriptures tell us not to fear? Listen to this lesson to understand why fear of the Lord is an important motivator to live our life in the light of the Judgment Seat of Christ. See that if you walk by means of the Spirit you produce rewardable works instead of sinful deeds. Understand that our evaluation is designed to show what has eternal value and that this involves our relationship with God and learning the Word of God.

Includes a brief presentation from Jeff Phipps on their recent missions trip to Natal, Brazil.

What is the place of works in a person’s life and what are these works? Listen to this lesson to learn that while salvation is a free gift, works done by believers under the filling of the Holy Spirit are rewarded in eternity. Find out the different judgments awaiting the human race and how unbelievers are judged on the basis of their works at the Great White Throne judgment. Hear how Old Testament believers were justified. When life gets tough and we are under adversity, we need to focus on the end game and the rewards that God has planned for believers.

When’s the last time you girded up the loins of your mind? If that question seems a little weird to you, listen to this lesson to learn how believers are to live in the midst of a perverted world that hates God. See the importance of having hope in God’s plan and purpose for your life. Realize that Christianity is about thinking, not emotion, and we need to study the Word of God to be prepared mentally for what lies ahead. Learn what being holy means and how we need to remove distractions from our life and focus on the end game for the glory that will be ours and God’s for all eternity.

Imagine this! You’re on a stage in a drama and a crowded audience is watching you intently. Listen to this lesson to learn that when you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior you become part of the greatest drama of the ages with angels as the audience watching us. If this seems far-fetched hear passages in the Bible that explain the reasons for angelic observation. Learn that angels rejoice when believers who have been disobeying God confess their sins. Find out that angels watched Christ when He was on earth. Understand that Satan has his demons watching unbelievers to blind them and watching believers to attack them. The key is to walk with God using His Word and trusting in God’s protection.

“Gird up your loins!” What in the world could that mean? Listen to this lesson to see the historical context of this command which means to lay aside whatever is stopping us from living in obedience to God’s Word. Gain an understanding that the main context of 1 Peter is how to handle the trials and troubles of life with joy. Learn the importance of obeying authorities, both just and unjust, with Christ as our example. See how all Christians are being watched by angels to see whether we trust God to handle all of our problems.

Are there events in the New Testament that should be questioned as legends or myths? Listen to this lesson to see that every detail in the Bible is accurate in the original languages. Hear about dead believers who rose from the grave after Jesus Christ's resurrection. Find out eight observations related to people who try to claim certain things recorded in the Bible did not happen. Understand the meaning of historical criticism. Realize that we can have complete confidence in the Bible as the inerrant, infallible Word of God.

Have you ever been reading the Bible and read something that sounded like a contradiction? Listen to this lesson to see Biblical explanations for these so-called conflicts. See how liberalism seeks to exploit these problem areas to attack the inerrancy of the Bible. Find out why it is so necessary to understand that the Bible is always accurate and conflicts can be resolved through careful study. Have confidence in the Word of God and fully trust it and rely upon it no matter what circumstances are taking place in your life.